Floor panel system for vehicles

ABSTRACT

A vehicle flooring system for converting regular vehicles into wheelchair accessible vehicles. The flooring system is made up of individual flooring panels connected via a snap fit type tongue and lip connection. Each individual panel contains an integral track. The integral track forms a positive lock with the track channels. The flooring system is able to satisfy government regulations concerning seat and wheelchair location pull testing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/768,890, filed on Nov. 17, 2018, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/806,836, filed on Feb. 17, 2019, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Converting vans, buses, and other vehicles into those with flooringsystems capable of providing flexible seating arrangements as well asaccommodating wheelchairs is an expensive process. The labor hoursneeded to convert the van is considerable. The typical installationprocess includes adhering and bolting metal and plywood flooringmaterials to the floor, and the resulting floor is then covered by aflooring material such as carpets and/or rubber mats. Many governmentshave safety regulations that require the flooring systems to pass a pulltest that mimics some of the forces experienced during typicalcollisions. To reduce the risk of failing the pull test, many suppliersof these flooring systems require each metal plank or panel of thesystem to be bolted to the floor at multiple locations along the entirelength of the panel. As should be recognized, this bolting process istime consuming and labor intensive.

Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

SUMMARY

A unique vehicle flooring system has been developed for securing seats,wheelchairs, and other support structures in a vehicle such as aconversion van. The flooring system includes a series of aluminumextruded floor panels with integral channels that are snap fittedtogether. In one form, the snap fit connection includes a tongue and liptype connection along the edges of the panels. The snap fit connectionsextend for the full length of each of the panels so as to ensure thepanels remain engaged even during a crash. This snap fit connectionreduces time and labor costs for typical vehicle floor conversionsbecause the number of screws or other fasteners needed during theconversion process is dramatically reduced. The floor panels themselvesgenerally have a uniform wall thickness, but the panels further havereduced thickness areas or portions at the tongue and lip connections.These reduced thickness portions allow the tongues at the connections toflex during engagement.

Each integral channel in the panel has a pair of positive lockinggrooves located on opposing sides of the integral channel. The integralchannels are designed to receive hardware tracks or other types ofanchors that are used to secure the seats or wheelchairs to the floorpanels. The hardware tracks have angled edges that are configured toengage with the grooves inside integral channels to form a positivelock. As a result of the positive lock, the flooring system is able towithstand governmental regulations regarding pull testing in thelocations where seats or wheelchairs are mounted.

The flooring system has a smooth and flat surface area with hardwarethat does not have to be removed and does not protrude above the floorlevel. This is accomplished by the fastener pocket. The fastener pocketallows the head of the chosen fastener to rest in the opening as theshaft passes through the integral track to secure the seat or wheelchairwithout protruding above the floor level. Additionally, the tracks ofthe flooring system run the entire length of the vehicle flooring space.This allows for increased flexibility in seating arrangements dependingon the number of passengers and their preferred seating position.

The system and techniques as described and illustrated herein concern anumber of unique and inventive aspects. Some, but by no means all, ofthese unique aspects are summarized below.

Aspect 1 generally concerns a system that includes vehicle floor panelswith a snap-fit connection between the floor panels.

Aspect 2 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe snap-fit connection includes a cantilever connection between thefloor panels.

Aspect 3 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe floor panels have a general uniform wall thickness with one or morereduced wall thickness portions at the snap fit connection.

Aspect 4 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe floor panels are extruded.

Aspect 5 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe floor panels are made of aluminum.

Aspect 6 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe snap-fit connection extends for the full length of the floor panels.

Aspect 7 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe snap-fit connection includes a connector tongue with a base defininga tongue flex groove.

Aspect 8 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe snap-fit connection includes a receptacle with a base defining areceptacle flex groove.

Aspect 9 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe floor panels each has two receptacle arms extending flush withopposing support surfaces of the vehicle floor panels.

Aspect 10 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe at least one of the floor panels has a track that defines a channel.

Aspect 11 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe channel has a positive lock groove defined inside the track.

Aspect 12 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe foot is received in the channel of the track to form a positivelock.

Aspect 13 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe foot has a lock wing engaged with the lock groove of the channel toform a positive lock connection.

Aspect 14 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe foot has a crown.

Aspect 15 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe channel is integral with the floor panel.

Aspect 16 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe channel has one or more angled edges configured to form one or morepositive lock grooves.

Aspect 17 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in whichthe channel has a fastener pocket.

Aspect 18 generally concerns a method of operating the system of anyprevious aspect.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, andembodiments of the present invention will become apparent from adetailed description and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a vehicle that includes a flooring systemaccording to one example.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 flooring system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 flooring system.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the FIG. 1 flooring system.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the FIG. 1 flooring system.

FIG. 6 is an exploded end view of the FIG. 1 flooring system.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged end view of a connector side of a floor panel inthe FIG. 1 flooring system.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged end view of a connector protrusion side of theFIG. 7 floor panel.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged end view of the floor panels joined via a snap-fitconnection.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the floor panel.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the floor panel.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a foot for the FIG. 1 flooring system.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the FIG. 12 foot.

FIG. 14 is a top view of the FIG. 12 foot.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fastener secured to theFIG. 12 foot in the tracks of the floor panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modificationsin the described embodiments and any further applications of theprinciples of the invention as described herein are contemplated aswould normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail,although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art thatsome features that are not relevant to the present invention may not beshown for the sake of clarity.

The reference numerals in the following description have been organizedto aid the reader in quickly identifying the drawings where variouscomponents are first shown. In particular, the drawing in which anelement first appears is typically indicated by the left-most digit(s)in the corresponding reference number. For example, an elementidentified by a “100” series reference numeral will likely first appearin FIG. 1, an element identified by a “200” series reference numeralwill likely first appear in FIG. 2, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 100 in one example has a passenger cabin105 with a floor 110. The vehicle 100 has a flooring system 115 that isattached to the floor 110. The vehicle 100 further includes one or moresupport structures 120 configured to be removably coupled to theflooring system 115. These support structures 120 can include a seat125, a wheelchair 130, benches, shelving systems, and/or other types ofsupport structures 120 found in vehicle 100. As can be seen, theflooring system 115 has a first end 135 and a second end 140. At thefirst end 135 and second end 140, the flooring system 115 is secured tothe floor 110 with one or more fasteners 145 such as bolts. The flooringsystem 115 is further adhered to the floor 110 of the vehicle 100 by useof an adhesive 150. As will be explained in further detail below, theflooring system 115 includes a unique snap fit connection that extendsfor the full length of the flooring system 115. With this snap-fitconnection and adhesive 150 construction, the flooring system 115 onlyneeds to be secured to the floor 110 with the fasteners 145 at the firstend 135 and second end 140 in order to satisfy most governmental safetypull tests. In other words, additional fasteners 145 are not needed tosecure the flooring system 115 to the floor 110 between the first end135 and second end 140. This construction of the flooring system 115reduces the number of fasteners 145 required during installation. Thisconstruction of the flooring system 115 also reduces labor and timeneeded during the floor conversion process. While the flooring system115 is depicted as having the fasteners 145 only secured to the floor110 at the first end 135 and second end 140, the fasteners 145 can besecured elsewhere in other examples in to provide additional security orfor other reasons.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, the flooring system 115 of the vehicle100 includes one or more floor panels 205. The floor panels 205 areconnected together via a snap-fit connection 210. The snap-fitconnection 210 extends for the full length of the floor panels 205 sothat the floor panels 205 remain firmly connected together even duringgovernmental safety tests. The floor panels 205 further define one ormore tracks 215 to which the seats 125, wheelchairs 130, and/or othersupport structures 120 are secured. The tracks 215 define one or moretrack channels 220 configured to receive a foot 225 that is connected toa leg 230 of the seat 125. The leg 230 is secured to the foot 225 by atleast one fastener 235 such as a bolt 240. It should be recognized thatthe foot 225 can be secured to other structures. For example, tethersfor the wheelchair 130 can be secured to the foot 225. The foot 225 isslidably received in the floor panels 205 so that the foot 225 can berepositioned or removed to accommodate different seating arrangements.The foot 225 forms a positive locking arrangement with the trackchannels 220 so that the support structures 120 remain firmly secured tothe flooring system 115.

The connection of two floor panels 205 of the flooring system 115 viathe snap-fit connection 210 is depicted in FIG. 6. As shown, the floorpanels 205 have two connector sides 602. Again, the snap-fit connection210 extends from the entire length of these connector sides 602 so as toprovide a secure connection between the floor panels 205. As shown, theconnector sides 602 of each floor panel 205 include a connectorreceptacle side 605 and a connector protrusion side 610. The snap-fitconnection 210 includes a snap-fit connector receptacle 615 on theconnector receptacle side 605 and a snap-fit connector protrusion 620 onthe connector protrusion side 610.

As shown in FIG. 6, the floor panels 205 have one or more supportsurfaces 622. The support surfaces 622 include a passenger facingsurface 625 and a vehicle facing surface 630. The passenger facingsurface 625 is configured to face towards the passengers. The passengerfacing surface 625 has a smooth finish and forms a flat surface tofacilitate easy rolling of wheelchairs 130. The generally flat passengerfacing surface 625 reduces the risk of passengers tripping when walkinginside the passenger cabin 105 of the vehicle 100. The vehicle facingsurface 630 is configured to face the existing floor 110 of the vehicle.As shown, the adhesive 150 is applied to the vehicle facing surface 630in order to secure the vehicle facing surface 630 to the floor 110 ofthe vehicle 100. Between the passenger facing surface 625 and thevehicle facing surface 630 is one or more ribs 635. The ribs 635 areconfigured to support the passenger facing surface 625 and vehiclefacing surface 630. The ribs 635 also work to distribute the load on thevehicle facing surface 630. This distribution allows for the flooringsystem 115 to withstand strong forces without movement of the supportstructures 120 in the event of a collision. The ribs 635 serve to createone or more panel cavities 640. The panel cavities 640 serve to reducethe manufacturing costs and weight of the flooring system 115 byreducing the amount of material needed to extrude the floor panels 205.The panel cavities 640 define at least one cavity surface 645. Thecavity surface 645 is configured to define the perimeter of the panelcavities 640. The cavity surface 645 also creates a specified thicknessportion for the passenger facing surface 625 and the vehicle facingsurface 630.

The floor panels 205 attach via the snap-fit connection 210 in themanner shown by arrows 650 in FIG. 6. Again, the snap-fit connection 210runs the entire length of the floor panels 205. This is accomplished bymanufacturing the floor panels 205 through an extrusion process. In oneexample, the floor panels 205 are made of metal, such as steel oraluminum, and in one example, the floor panels 205 are made fromextruded aluminum. The arrows 650 show that when the two floor panels205 are pushed together, the snap-fit connector protrusion 620 of theconnector protrusion side 610 enters and combines with the snap-fitconnector receptacle 615 of the connector receptacle side 605 in orderto create a strong connection between the two floor panels 205.

Turning to FIG. 7, the connector receptacle side 605 includes one ormore receptacle arms 705, one or more receptacle channels 710, asnap-fit notch 715, a receptacle lip 720, a beveled edge 725, and areceptacle base 730. The receptacle arms 705 define the receptaclechannel 710. The receptacle channel 710 allows the connector protrusionside 610 to snap into the snap-fit notch 715. The receptacle lip 720 isdesigned to prevent the disconnection of the snap fit by simple pullingforces. Any attempt to simply pull the floor panels 205 apart results inan abutment of the receptacle lip 720 and a restriction in movement. Thereceptacle arms 705 also have the beveled edge 725. The beveled edge 725is configured to guide the connector protrusion side 610 into thereceptacle channels 710. This assures proper connection and placement ofthe floor panels 205. The receptacle arms 705 connect to the passengerfacing surface 625 and the vehicle facing surface 630 at the receptaclebase 730.

As noted before, the floor panels 205 in one form are manufactured usingan extrusion process in which aluminum is extruded to form the floorpanels 205. Due to the extrusion process, the extruded floor panels 205generally have a uniform wall thickness, but the floor panels 205 haveselected areas with reduced wall thicknesses. The extrusion processforces the softened aluminum through a die in the shape of the desiredfloor panels 205. This creates floor panels 205 of a uniform shape. Byextruding the floor panels 205, the flooring system 115 is able to bemanufactured at a decreased cost. This translates to a more affordableflooring system 115. In the illustrated example, the passenger facingsurface 625 has a wall thickness 735 that is generally uniformthroughout the floor panel 205 within normal engineering tolerances. Ascan be seen, however, the receptacle base 730 defines a receptacle flexgroove 740 with a receptacle flex groove wall thickness 745. Thereceptacle flex groove wall thickness 745 at the receptacle flex groove740 is thinner than the wall thickness 735 throughout the rest of thefloor panel 205. The receptacle flex grooves 740 at the base makereceptacle arms 705 flexible so that the receptacle arms 705 are able toreceive the snap-fit connector protrusion 620.

The wall thickness 735 of the floor panel 205 is again generally uniformwith the exception of the receptacle flex grooves 740. As shown in FIG.7, the receptacle flex groove 740 defines the wall thickness 735 of thepassenger facing surface 625 measured from the passenger facing surface625 to the cavity surface 645. The vehicle facing surface 630 also hasthe wall thickness 735. The wall thickness 735 of the vehicle facingsurface 630 is measured from the vehicle facing surface 630 to thecavity surface 645. Additionally, the ribs 635 have the wall thickness735. The wall thickness 735 of the ribs 635 is measured from the cavitysurface 645 to a guide space surface 747. The wall thickness 735 isgenerally uniform for the passenger facing surface 625, vehicle facingsurface 630, and ribs 635. Again, the receptacle flex groove wallthickness 745 is thinner than the passenger facing surface 625 andvehicle facing surface 630. The receptacle flex groove wall thickness745 is created during extrusion of the floor panels 205. Once more, thethinner receptacle flex groove wall thickness 745 allows for thereceptacle arms 705 to flex and move without breaking. This results in astronger connection that is able to handle sudden large jumps in forceas a result of its more flexible nature.

The connector receptacle side 605 further includes a connector guide 750with a guide space 755. The connector guide 750 partially defines thereceptacle channels 710. The connector guide 750 further assists inmaintaining the proper alignment of the connector receptacle side 605and the connector protrusion side 610. By maintaining the alignment ofthe connector receptacle side 605 and the connector protrusion side 610,the connector guide 750 gives rigidity to the connected floor panels205. The interconnection of the connector receptacle side 605 andconnector protrusion side 610 via the connector guide 750 removes someof the stress from the receptacle arms 705. This reduces the chance offailure at the receptacle base 730. The guide space 755 serves to reducethe weight of the final product and reduce the overall cost.

As depicted in FIG. 8, the connector protrusion side 610 includes atleast one snap-fit connector protrusion 620. The snap-fit connectorprotrusion 620 has one or more connector tongues 805. In the illustratedexample, the snap-fit connector protrusion 620 has two, opposingconnector tongues 805 so as to facilitate a firm connection between thefloor panels 205. As shown, the pair of connector tongues 805 define aguide cavity 810 where the connector guide 750 is received. Eachconnector tongue 805 has a tongue head 815 with a tongue lip 820 and abeveled edge 825. The tongue lip 820 prevents the easy disconnection ofthe floor panels 205 via a pulling force by interlocking with thereceptacle lip 720 and restricting the movement of the floor panels 205.The beveled edge 825 facilitates a smooth entry of the connectorprotrusion side 610 into the connector receptacle side 605.

Opposite the tongue head 815, each connector tongue 805 has a tonguebase 830 that defines a tongue flex groove 835. The tongue flex grooves835 are formed during the extrusion process. The tongue flex grooves 835allow the connector tongues 805 to flex during the snap-connection tothe other floor panel 205. Once more, the wall thickness 735 of thefloor panels 205 is generally uniform due to the extrusion process. Thetongue flex grooves 835 each has a tongue flex groove wall thickness 840that is thinner than the wall thickness 735. For example, the tongueflex groove wall thickness 840 is thinner than the wall thickness 735 atthe passenger facing surface 625, vehicle facing surface 630, and ribs635. As discussed earlier, the decreased thickness allows for theflexion of the tongue base 830 and an increase in maximum breakingstress. With the tongue flex groove wall thickness 840 being thinnerthan the wall thickness 735 of the rest of the receptacle arm 705, theconnector tongues 805 are able to readily flex when needed.

As illustrated, the connector protrusion side 610 further has a guideend wall 845 and one or more guide side walls 850 that further definethe guide cavity 810. The guide end wall 845 serves as the stop for theconnector guide 750 so as to inhibit over insertion. In other words, thefloor panels 205 are fully connected when the connector guide 750 caninsert no further into the guide cavity 810. The guide side walls 850further facilitate centering of the connector guide 750 in the guidecavity 810. The guide side walls 850 further serve to limit rotationalmotion of the connector guide 750 in the guide cavity 810.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the connector receptacle side 605 andconnector protrusion side 610 are connected via the snap-fit connection210. The connector receptacle side 605 and connector protrusion side 610are typically pushed together to engage the snap fit connection. Thebeveled edge 725 of the receptacle arms 705 and the beveled edge 825 ofthe connector tongues 805 allow for the connector tongues 805 to beeasily guided into the receptacle channels 710 of the connectorreceptacle side 605. While the connector protrusion side 610 is pushedinto the connector receptacle side 605, the tongue flex groove 835 ofthe connector protrusion side 610 is flexed inward. During this time,the connector tongues 805 are forced together to accommodate thenarrower receptacle channels 710. The receptacle lip 720 and tongue lip820 are able to snap together once the connector guide 750 has beenfully inserted into the guide cavity 810. The receptacle flex groove 740and the tongue flex groove 835 allow for both the connector receptacleside 605 and the connector protrusion side 610 to have smallfluctuations in position without breaking. This creates a flooringsystem 115 that is more durable and able to withstand suddenfluctuations in applied force.

Once assembled, the connector guide 750 comes to rest against the guideend wall 845. The guide side walls 850 surrounds a portion of theconnector guide 750 and prevents rotation of the floor panels 205.Having a pair of receptacle arms 705 and connector tongues 805 connectedat opposing support surfaces 622 creates a strong snap-fit connection210 between the floor panels 205. As shown, the receptacle arms 705 areflush with the support surfaces 622 so that the support surfaces 622 aregenerally flat and smooth with the snap-fit connection 210. Theintegration of the connector guide 750 into the guide cavity 810 furtherallows the flooring system 115 to resist high forces in the event of acollision. Additionally, a level alignment of the floor panels 205 ismaintained by the integration of the connector guide 750 into the guidecavity 810. It should be appreciated that the snap-fit connection 210allows for the installation of the flooring system 115 to be completedrapidly with little in the way of tools or experience with vehicle floorinstallation.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the tracks 215 include the track channels 220that are configured to receive one or more foot 225. Each foot 225 isconfigured to slide into the track channels 220 of the tracks 215. Thefoot 225 forms a positive lock with the track 215 in the track channel220. The foot 225 is also slidably received in the floor panels 205 sothat the foot 225 can be repositioned or removed to accommodatedifferent seating arrangements. The foot 225 forms a positive lockingarrangement with the track channels 220 so that the support structures120 remain firmly secured to the flooring system 115.

The tracks 215 are defined by one or more track edges 1005. It should beappreciated that the track edges 1005 may be any distance away from oneanother depending on the need of the consumer. For example, the trackedges 1005 may be one centimeter apart, five centimeters apart, tencentimeters apart, 25 centimeters apart, and/or any other distance thatmay be useful to the consumer. In the example embodiment, the trackedges 1005 are interspaced by one or more scalloped sections 1010. Thescalloped sections 1010 work in conjunction with one or more washers1015 to lock the position of the foot 225. The washers 1015 aregenerally located over one or more fastener holes 1020 through which oneor more fasteners are placed. In an embodiment, the fastener protrudesthrough the foot 225. Once emerging through the foot 225, the fastenerreceives one or more washers 1015 around its circumference. Placing oneor more washers 1015 into one or more of the scalloped sections 1010locks the foot 225 into position. The washers 1015 are sized to fitwithin the scalloped sections 1010 but are of a diameter that is largerthan the space between the track edges 1005. This prevents any movementof the foot 225 and the support structures 120. To adjust the foot 225,the washers 1015 are removed from the scalloped sections 1010. The foot225 is then free to be moved to a new position. Once in the chosenposition, the foot 225 is locked into its new position by reinsertingthe washer 1015 into a new scalloped section 1010.

As shown in FIG. 11, the passenger facing surface of the track 215 israised above the passenger facing surface 625 of the floor panels 205 bya track transition ledge 1105. The track transition ledge 1105 serves todefine a track surface 1110. The track transition ledge 1105 furtherserves to maintain a smooth and even flooring surface in the vehicle.The increased height between the passenger facing surface 625 and thetrack surface 1110 allows a chosen floor covering to cover all of theflooring system 115. For example, the chosen floor covering may becarpet, floor mats, rubber, metal, and/or any other floor covering typematerial.

The track channels 220 have a positive lock structure 1115. The positivelock structure 1115 is further defined by one or more positive lockgrooves 1120 and one or more positive lock ledges 1125. The positivelock grooves 1120 and the positive lock ledges 1125 work to prevent thefoot 225 from moving upward towards the passengers in the event of acollision. The positive lock structure 1115 includes a positive lockangle 1127. The positive lock angle 1127 is an acute angle when measuredupwards from the tip of the positive lock ledges 1125 with reference toa plane created by the vehicle facing surface 630. In one embodiment,the positive lock angle 1127 is approximately 45 degrees.

The track channels 220 further include a crown section 1130, a channelbed 1135, a channel bed cavity 1140, a foot guide surface 1145, and afastener pocket 1150. The crown section 1130 serves to receive and alignthe foot 225 in the track channels 220. The channel bed 1135 includesthe channel bed cavity 1140, foot guide surfaces 1145, and the fastenerpocket 1150. The channel bed cavity 1140 is located between the lowerface of the channel bed 1135 and the upper face of the vehicle facingsurface 630. The channel bed cavity 1140 is further constrained oneither side by one or more ribs 635. The channel bed cavity 1140 servesto lighten the floor panels 205.

The foot guide surfaces 1145 serve as the baseplate for the insertion ofthe foot 225 into the track channel 220. The foot 225 rests on thesurface of the foot guide surfaces 1145. The fastener pocket 1150 ismaintained to allow extra space for the inserted fasteners 145. In thecase where the bolt is inserted with the shaft facing towards thepassengers, the bolt head fits into the fastener pocket 1150 withoutinterference. This allows the foot 225 to be easily slid in or out ofthe track channels 220 for a change in position.

Referring now to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, the foot 225 is shown. FIG. 12shows the foot 225 along with one or more fastener holes 1020.Additionally, it can be seen in FIG. 13 that the foot 225 includes acrown 1205 with one or more chamfered edges 1210 and one or more lockwings 1215. The lock wings 1215 further include one or more lock lips1220, one or more lock channels 1225, and one or more foot guide flanges1230.

In FIG. 13 a cross sectional view of the foot 225 is shown. The crown1205 is shown to fall off to either side of the fastener holes 1020 viathe chamfered edges 1210. This configuration reduces the contact pointsbetween the foot 225 and leg 230 resulting in a tighter fittingconnection. The lock wings 1215 are defined on the top portion by thelock lips 1220 and the lock channels 1225. The lock lips 1220 and thelock channels 1225 are configured to interlock with the positive lockgrooves 1120 and positive lock ledges 1125 to form the positive lock.The angle created by the positive lock grooves 1120 and positive lockledges 1125 is congruent to the positive lock angle 1127. This assures atight fit when the foot 225 is inserted into the track channels 220.

FIG. 14 shows the foot 225 from a top view. As can be seen in FIG. 14,the fastener holes 1020 are able to be spaced at any chosen intervalalong the length of the foot 225. This flexibility in position allowsfor multiple seating configurations to be possible with the flooringsystem 115.

Looking at FIG. 15, an example of the completed track system is shown.As can be seen, the track 215 and foot 225 have the positive lockstructure 1115 that firmly secures the support structure 120 to theflooring system 115. The positive lock structure 1115 helps to preventthe foot 225 from being pulled out of the foot 225 such as during anaccident. As can be seen, the lock wings 1215 of the foot 225 arereceived in the positive lock grooves 1120 of the track 215. Likewise,the positive lock ledges 1125 of the track 215 are received in the lockchannels 1225 of the foot 225.

As shown, the fastener 235 has a fastener head 1505 and a fastener shaft1510 that extends from the fastener head 1505, and the fastener shaft1510 has a shaft end 1515. During installation, the fastener shaft 1510of the fastener 235 is inserted through the fastener hole 1020 of thefoot 225. Following this, the foot 225 is slid into the track channel220 of the floor panel 205. When the foot 225 is slid into the trackchannel 220, the fastener head 1505 is received in the fastener pocket1150 of the track channel 220. This allows the fastener head 1505 toslide easily along the length of the track 215. Additionally, thefastener 235 position may be flipped such that the fastener head 1505 ison the top of the foot 225 and the shaft end 1515 is protruding downinto the fastener pocket 1150. In such a case, a bolt or the likesecured to the foot 225 can be received in the fastener pocket 1150.

Glossary of Terms

The language used in the claims and specification is to only have itsplain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. Thewords in these definitions are to only have their plain and ordinarymeaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning is inclusive of all consistentdictionary definitions from the most recently published Webster'sdictionaries and Random House dictionaries. As used in the specificationand claims, the following definitions apply to these terms and commonvariations thereof identified below.

“Adhesive” generally refers to any non metallic substance applied to oneor both surfaces of two separate parts that binds them together andresists their separation. For example, an adhesive can bond both matingsurfaces through specific adhesion (e.g., molecular attraction), throughmechanical anchoring (e.g., by flowing into holes in porous surfaces),and/or through fusion (e.g., partial solution of both surfaces in theadhesive or its solvent vehicle). Some non-limiting examples ofadhesives include liquid adhesives, film adhesives, resin adhesives,rubber adhesives, silicone-based adhesives, mastics, metal-to-metaladhesives, plastic adhesives, rubber adhesives, sprayable adhesives, andhot melt adhesives, to name just a few.

“Cavity” generally refers to an empty space in a solid object. Thecavity can be completely or partially surrounded by the solid object.For example, the cavity can be open to the surrounding environment.

“Channel” generally refers to a long, narrow groove in a surface of anobject.

“Fastener” generally refers to a hardware device that mechanically joinsor otherwise affixes two or more objects together. By way of nonlimitingexamples, the fastener can include bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pegs,pins, rivets, screws, and snap fasteners, to just name a few.

“Flat” generally refers to an object having a broad level surface butwith little height.

“Flex Groove” generally refers to a narrow indentation or notch in anobject that allows the object to bend at the notch.

“Floor” generally refers to the flat base panel of a vehicle where thesupport structures are mounted. The floor can be made of many differentmaterials such as wood, plastics, metals, rubbers, or a combination ofmaterials. The floor may have tracks or mounting brackets for mountingsupport structures that are flush with the rest of the floor and/orprotrude above the standard floor height. The floor of a vehicle is alsothe primary area for storage as that is where the items are set. Forexample, when loading the back of a van, the groceries are typically seton the floor. Additionally, the floor may be covered in a material tomake it more comfortable. Some materials used may be carpet, rubber,metals, or leathers.

“Foot” generally refers to a structure that secures a support structure,like a seat, to a track channel of a flooring system.

“Lateral” generally refers to being situated on, directed toward, orcoming from the side. “Longitudinal” generally refers to the length orlengthwise dimension of an object, rather than across.

“Panel” generally refers to a flat or curved component that forms partof another object. Typically, but not always, the panel has a generallyrectangular shape.

“Positive Lock” generally refers to a type fastening structure that isconfigured to remain secured even under vibratory or other loads.

“Seat” generally refers to a type of support structure or a placeconstructed for the purpose of allowing a human and/or other animal tosit. Some examples of seats include chairs, stools, benches, saddles,and sofas to name just a few. Typically, but not always, the seat canfurther include a backrest, armrest, and a headrest as well as otherfeatures.

“Snap-Fit Connector” or “Snap-Fit Connection” generally refers to a typeof attachment device including at least two parts, with at least one ofwhich being flexible, that are interlocked with one another by pushingthe parts together. The term “Snap-Fit Connector” may refer to just oneof the parts, such as either the protruding or mating part, or both ofthe parts when joined together. Typically, but not always, the snap-fitconnector includes a protrusion of one part, such as a hook, stud,and/or bead, that is deflected briefly during the joining operation andcatches in a depression and/or undercut in the mating part. After theparts are joined, the flexible snap-fit parts return to a stress-freecondition. The resulting joint may be separable or inseparable dependingon the shape of the undercut. The force required to separate thecomponents can vary depending on the design. By way of non-limitingexamples, the flexible parts are made of a flexible material such asplastic, metal, and/or carbon fiber composite materials. The snap-fitconnectors can include cantilever, torsional, and/or annular typesnap-fit connectors. In the annular snap-fit type connector, theconnector utilizes a hoop-strain type part to hold the other part inplace. In one form, the hoop-strain part is made of an elastic materialand has an expandable circumference. In one example, the elastichoop-strain part is pushed onto a more rigid part so as to secure thetwo together. Cantilever snap-fit type connectors can form permanenttype connections or can be temporary such that the parts can beconnected and disconnected multiple times. A multiple use type snap-fitconnector typically, but not always, has a lever or pin that is pushedin order to release the snap-fit connection. For a torsional snap fitconnector, protruding edges of one part are pushed away from the targetinsertion area, and the other part then slides in between the protrudingedges until a desired distance is reached. Once the desired distance isreached, the edges are then released such that the part is held inplace.

“Support Structure” generally refers to any structure that serves tosupport a person, animal, and/or inanimate object. Some examples ofsupport structures include seats, benches, toolboxes, racks,wheelchairs, gang boxes, handrails, and beds.

“Track” or “Seat Track” generally refers to a mechanical slide structureto which a support structure, such as a vehicle seat, is secured thatallows horizontal repositioning or other movement of the supportstructure.

“Vehicle” generally refers to a machine that transports people and/orcargo. Common vehicle types can include land based vehicles, amphibiousvehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and space craft. By way of non-limitingexamples, land based vehicles can include wagons, carts, scooters,bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, buses, trucks, semi-trailers,trains, trolleys, and trams. Amphibious vehicles can for example includehovercraft and duck boats, and watercraft can include ships, boats, andsubmarines, to name just a few examples. Common forms of aircraftinclude airplanes, helicopters, autogiros, and balloons, and spacecraftfor instance can include rockets and rocket powered aircraft. Thevehicle can have numerous types of power sources. For instance, thevehicle can be powered via human propulsion, electrically powered,powered via chemical combustion, nuclear powered, and/or solar powered.The direction, velocity, and operation of the vehicle can be humancontrolled, autonomously controlled, and/or semi-autonomouslycontrolled. Examples of autonomously or semi-autonomously controlledvehicles include Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and drones.

“Wall Thickness” generally refers to the measured distance between theopposing outside surfaces of an object.

“Wheelchair” generally refers to a type of seat that is able totransport a person in a seated position. Typically, but not always, theseat includes one or more wheels that allow the seat to roll along thefloor or ground. For example, there are powered wheelchairs in which theseat is propelled by batteries and an electric motor. Another example ismanually-propelled wheelchairs where the force is either from the userrotating the wheels themselves (self-propelled) and/or an attendantpushing the chair from behind (attendant propelled).

It should be noted that the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and thelike as used in the description and/or the claims include the pluralforms unless expressly discussed otherwise. For example, if thespecification and/or claims refer to “a device” or “the device”, itincludes one or more of such devices.

It should be noted that directional terms, such as “up,” “down,” “top,”“bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “radial,” “circumferential,”“horizontal,” “vertical,” etc., are used herein solely for theconvenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader's understandingof the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use ofthese directional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated,and/or claimed features to a specific direction and/or orientation.

“And/or” is inclusive here, meaning “and” as well as “or”. For example,“P and/or Q” encompasses, P, Q, and P with Q; and, such “P and/or Q” mayinclude other elements as well.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit ofthe inventions defined by the following claims are desired to beprotected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited inthis specification are herein incorporated by reference as if eachindividual publication, patent, or patent application were specificallyand individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forthin its entirety herein.

Reference Numbers 100 vehicle 105 passenger cabin 110 floor 115 flooringsystem 120 support structures 125 seat 130 wheelchair 135 first end 140second end 145 fasteners 150 adhesive 205 floor panels 210 snap-fitconnection 215 tracks 220 track channels 225 foot 230 leg 235 fastener240 bolt 602 connector sides 605 connector receptacle side 610 connectorprotrusion side 615 snap-fit connector receptacle 620 snap-fit connectorprotrusion 622 support surfaces 625 passenger facing surface 630 vehiclefacing surface 635 ribs 640 panel cavities 645 cavity surface 650 arrows705 receptacle arms 710 receptacle channels 715 snap-fit notch 720receptacle lip 725 beveled edge 730 receptacle base 735 wall thickness740 receptacle flex groove 745 receptacle flex groove wall thickness 747guide space surface 750 connector guide 755 guide space 805 connectortongues 810 guide cavity 815 tongue head 820 tongue lip 825 beveled edge830 tongue base 835 tongue flex groove 840 tongue flex groove wallthickness 845 guide end wall 850 guide side walls 1005 track edges 1010scalloped sections 1015 washers 1020 fastener holes 1105 tracktransition ledge 1110 track surface 1115 positive lock structure 1120positive lock grooves 1125 positive lock ledges 1127 positive lock angle1130 crown section 1135 channel bed 1140 channel bed cavity 1145 footguide surfaces 1150 fastener pocket 1205 crown 1210 chamfered edges 1215lock wings 1220 lock lips 1225 lock channels 1230 foot guide flanges1505 fastener head 1510 fastener shaft 1515 shaft end

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle flooring system, comprising: aplurality of vehicle floor panels with a snap-fit connection between thefloor panels; and wherein the snap-fit connection extends for the fulllength of the floor panels.
 2. The vehicle flooring system of claim 1,wherein the snap-fit connection includes a cantilever connection betweenthe floor panels.
 3. The vehicle flooring system of claim 1, wherein thefloor panels have a general uniform wall thickness with one or morereduced wall thickness portions at the snap fit connection.
 4. Thevehicle flooring system of claim 3, wherein the floor panels areextruded.
 5. The vehicle flooring system of claim 4, wherein the floorpanels are made of aluminum.
 6. The vehicle flooring system of claim 1,wherein the snap-fit connection includes a connector tongue with a basedefining a tongue flex groove.
 7. The vehicle flooring system of claim1, wherein the snap-fit connection includes a receptacle with a basedefining a receptacle flex groove.
 8. The vehicle flooring system ofclaim 1, wherein the floor panels each has two receptacle arms extendingflush with opposing support surfaces of the vehicle floor panels.
 9. Thevehicle flooring system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of thefloor panels has a track that defines a channel.
 10. The vehicleflooring system of claim 9, wherein the channel has a positive lockgroove defined inside the track.
 11. The vehicle flooring system ofclaim 10, further comprising: a foot is received in the channel of thetrack to form a positive lock.
 12. The vehicle flooring system of claim11, wherein the foot has a lock wing engaged with the lock groove of thechannel to form a positive lock connection.
 13. The vehicle flooringsystem of claim 11, wherein the foot has a crown.
 14. The vehicleflooring system of claim 9, wherein the channel is integral with thefloor panel.
 15. The vehicle flooring system of claim 14, wherein thechannel has one or more angled edges configured to form one or morepositive lock grooves.
 16. The vehicle flooring system of claim 9,wherein the channel has a fastener pocket.
 17. A system, comprising: aplurality of vehicle floor panels with a snap-fit connection between thefloor panels; and wherein the floor panels have a general uniform wallthickness with one or more reduced wall thickness portions at the snapfit connection.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the snap-fitconnection includes a cantilever connection between the floor panels.19. The system of claim 17, wherein the floor panels are extruded. 20.The system of claim 19, wherein the floor panels are made of aluminum.21. The system of claim 17, wherein the snap-fit connection includes aconnector tongue with a base defining a tongue flex groove.
 22. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the snap-fit connection includes areceptacle with a base defining a receptacle flex groove.
 23. The systemof claim 17, wherein the floor panels each has two receptacle armsextending flush with opposing support surfaces of the vehicle floorpanels.
 24. A system, comprising: a plurality of vehicle floor panelswith a snap-fit connection between the floor panels; wherein at leastone of the floor panels has a track that defines a channel; and whereinthe channel has a positive lock groove defined inside the track.
 25. Thesystem of claim 24, further comprising: a foot is received in thechannel of the track to form a positive lock.
 26. The system of claim25, wherein the foot has a lock wing engaged with the lock groove of thechannel to form a positive lock connection.
 27. The system of claim 25,wherein the foot has a crown.
 28. The system of claim 24, wherein thechannel is integral with the floor panel.
 29. The system of claim 28,wherein the channel has one or more angled edges configured to form oneor more positive lock grooves.
 30. The system of claim 24, wherein thechannel has a fastener pocket.